As he pulled up in front of her house, the nerves grew and the realization of what he was about to do hit him. This was the day he would (hopefully) become the happiest man ever, the day he would propose to Emma. He had planned it out many times before, and had decided today would be the day. As he got out of the car, he shoved his hand into his pocket, making sure the little black box holding his future was still there. He entered the building and walked up the stairs to the apartment she shared with her parents. As he raised his hand to knock, the door opened, and Emma came into view.
"You're here early," she stated, "ready to go?" Emma was aware that they would be going out that night, but had no idea of the surprise to come.
"Ya, shall we?" Neal asked, lending her his arm. As they left the apartment and got into the bug, the first surprise came.
"Emma," he began, "I have something for you." He reached into his pocket and pulled out the swan charm, the one he had stolen for her so long ago back in Portland, the one she had returned to him all those months ago in Manhattan, the day she came back into his life and made all this possible.
"Oh my god," Emma said, taking it from his hand and returning it around her neck. Grasping the charm, she stated, "I can't believe you still have it."
"I never got rid of it," he responded, "I've had it with me ever since you gave it back." He trailed off, remembering the day she found him again.
"Well, thank you." She reached over and kissed his cheek. Just as Emma was finally about to start the car, Neal stopped her.
"Wait."
He had such an amazing night planned, but it just felt like the moment to do it. The car held so many important moments in their past and their relationship, why not add one more?
"I have something to ask you."
The nerves grew and he was unsure if he could actually do it, but he was determined, and wanted more than anything to spend the rest of his life with her, so he built up the courage, pulled out the little black box, and asked, "Emma Swan, I love you more than anything and want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you. So, will you doe the honor of marrying me?" He opened the box, revealing a beautiful engagement ring.
She was surprised. In fact, surprised was an understatement. She was shocked and overjoyed and speechless, but she managed to release a "Yes." Collecting her emotions, she continued, "Yes of course I'll marry you.
A huge smile covered both their faces, and they said no more, just communicated all the emotions of joy and love to each other through a kiss, the kiss of the true love they shared